Zhu Yunying, who could very well have easily subdued Zhu Yuntong with a mere flick of his wrist, was now spurring his horse forward, clad in silver armor, indulging in the thrill of being a great general. His banner bearing the character "Zhu" fluttered in the wind as he led his vanguard at breakneck speed.
However, Zhang Yu, the 'deputy general' accompanying the army, dared not be negligent. This autumn hunt was also Zhang Yu's first 'battle' since being enfeoffed as a marquis. Even though it was just an autumn hunt, there were many things that could not be taken lightly, and this was beyond doubt.
Zhu Yunwen, who had just reined in his horse, looked to the side and asked, "Marquis Dingwu, is it possible to set up camp here?"
Zhang Yuli respectfully replied, "Your Highness, Marquis Wuying and Marquis Tongan have already patrolled this area with their left and right wings, driving wild animals and prey into the forest ahead. Your Highness, the camp should be set up three miles ahead."
Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding and Marquis Qiu Fu of Tong'an also came along for the autumn hunt. Since it was the emperor who came for the autumn hunt, it naturally meant that the imperial guards also needed to be mobilized, and there was no room for carelessness in many matters.
Zhu Yunying was also dressed in military attire at this moment. He knew that his golden helmet and armor were essentially just for show. While their actual protective capabilities were rather limited, they still offered some protection. The most important thing was that such a magnificent suit of armor would undoubtedly make him appear extremely valiant, and that was the most crucial aspect.
Old Zhu didn't come along; the Empress was taking care of the children. Although the little prince cried and wanted to come along, he was left in the palace. It was definitely not suitable for the child to come along, at least not this time.
The imperial guards from the capital followed, as did the tall and imposing imperial guards. Also present were some military officials, including envoys from various countries brought by the Court of State Ceremonial. These people all wanted to witness the martial prowess of the Ming Dynasty, which was one of the main purposes of this autumn hunt.
Zhu Yunying glanced back at the carriage and said with a smile, "Later, let the Empress come with us, so she can also draw her bow and arrow."
"Your Majesty, the Empress cannot even draw a single-stone bow," Xu Huizu reported immediately. "The Empress can draw a soft bow, and her aim is quite good."
The vanguard had already set up camp and begun their ascent, while the central army arrived at this time.
Zhu Yunying turned around and looked at her, then said with a smile, "Empress, come with me to draw the bow and go hunting!"
Although Xu Miaoqing, who had just changed into a suit of armor, was eager to try it on, she was still a little worried. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is against etiquette!"
"We Zhu family don't talk about those things. Our imperial grandfather was an old farmer from Fengyang, and we are just the grandsons of an old farmer!" Zhu Yunying said nonchalantly, gesturing with his hand. "Our empress is the daughter of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan, and she is the number one military meritorious official in our Ming Dynasty! They say that like father, like son, but we think women are just as capable as men!"
Zhu Yunying's equipment was mostly for show; it looked extremely luxurious, but its practicality was secondary.
Xu Miaoqing was no longer pretentious. In the palace, she was a dutiful empress. But deep down, she also had a heroic and proud side; after all, she was the legitimate daughter of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan.
Zhu Yunying looked around and beckoned, "Zhu Yunyi, come here to me!"
Zhu Yunwen wore a bitter expression; accompanying his elder brother and sister-in-law on a hunt was a truly unfortunate task. Others might consider it an honor, but Zhu Yunwen knew the real story.
It's hard to say about his sister-in-law; she might have some of the Prince of Zhongshan's charm. But his elder brother, despite always practicing swordsmanship and appearing skilled in archery and horsemanship, is, as Zhu Yunwen has heard, all show and no substance. This assessment comes from his grandfather, and Zhu Yunwen wholeheartedly agrees.
Xu Huizu also received the imperial decree and accompanied the emperor with Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou. Chang Mao, needless to say, followed with Chang Sen and Chang Sheng. These were all the emperor and empress's closest relatives, each of them holding extraordinary status.
Zhu Yunying took the bow from Wang Chengen, hung it up, and said directly, "Let's go hunting!"
With a gentle spur, the horse leaped forward. Xu Miaoqing followed suit, urging her horse to rest, while Xu Huizu and the others caught up. These riders were generally more skilled than Zhu Yunying, but they all remained dutiful, staying a step behind the Emperor and Empress while protecting them.
A deer was leisurely foraging when Zhu Yunying immediately went to her bow, drew an arrow from her quiver, and nocked it. Xu Miaoqing also smiled and drew her bow, appearing even more skilled than Zhu Yunying.
As Zhu Yunying released the bowstring, the arrow immediately shot towards the deer that had become wary. Xu Miaoqing also released her bowstring at this moment; she had already aimed and was simply waiting for her husband to fire the first arrow.
"grass!"
Zhu Yunying didn't want to use foul language, but his arrow went way off target. Xu Miaoqing fared slightly better; her arrow landed on the deer's hindquarters. However, it looked rather loose, clearly indicating that it hadn't seriously injured the deer.
Just as the deer was about to make its escape, several arrows flew past. Except for one arrow that missed its mark, the others all struck the deer!
"Your Majesty is divinely mighty!"
"May Your Majesty be victorious!"
Zhu Yunying was too lazy to say anything more, because he had shot the first arrow of this autumn hunt, and it was a fatal blow.
Zhu Yunying was already shameless enough, but the deer was originally no different from a hedgehog. But now, imperial guards were carrying the deer for display, with only one arrow on it, and it had hit the deer right between the eyebrows.
Look, this is how they avoid mentioning the faults of the emperor. This deer was shot by the very emperor himself; His Majesty is wise, mighty, and invincible!
Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. He knew some things very well, but he wouldn't say anything more.
The young martial arts students began to stir, seeing this as their chance to showcase their talents. Having the opportunity to perform before the emperor was a rare treat for them.
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